Every year as it comes to a close, holiday cheer resides as the countdown to Christmas continues. When one is a kid who celebrates, the countdown briefly pauses and then resumes. It kicks into high gear by November, and even higher when "December's Here."
I am not the biggest fan of New Found Glory, but they have recorded some albums I have enjoyed throughout the years, and this one passes the test. It doesn't touch my personal favorites, but is good on its own merits. If you're looking for nostalgia, name drops of seminal albums and modern classic films, as well as what is right and wrong with the holiday, we have a smattering of it all; half of it is in the first song.
To those blessed with a holiday feast, there is the temptation to overindulge, and there is a line that states that, which is one of my least favorite due to its truthfulness. It only comes once a year, so many give in wholeheartedly, but it is a test because there is a balance.
"Somber Christmas" has an ironic instrumental accompaniment, with all the poor relationships the subject has survived, now having to trudge through another holiday season in a melancholic state of mind, which assists in following the lights back home, aspiring to make new memories. It is an effective attempt at turning the frown upside down and seeing the silver lining (which happens to glow with red and green).
Yes, I have listened to the "Holiday Records" mentioned in the song, but usually only listen to them about once a year; except for the Bruce Springsteen record, which is already worn out, but is to the point where I have made peace with it. It is an overplayed, but a classic rendition (which served as a template for rockers to record their own version). The only question I have is, is there a clandestine Christmas album from "The Boss" most have not heard?
The meaning of "Nothing For Christmas" speaks for itself, especially if you have been blessed with finding your soulmate. While the following track quickly documents the dilemma of finding the perfect "Christmas Card" for that special someone, with a repetitive outro in case you lost yourself in empathy with a similar dilemma and a multitude of slightly altered sentiments wrapped in decorated cards of various designs.
As we are aware, the members of NFG are old enough to no longer believe in Santa, so "Santa Forgive Me" is for a younger generation of NFG fans, or this plea is merely dressed in holiday style, but then that wouldn't explain the crimes Pundik admitted to in the song under the guise of the big guy adorned in red. Were they based on past transgressions?
Y do things change when your first Christmas becomes "Our First Christmas?"
Well, for one, you are older, and should be wiser, as well as more cognizant of what is going on, and the song addresses some reasons why ( nothing too deep), but when you found your soulmate, it seems to flip a switch urging you to be something more than you are.
Being blessed with a nice family and spending time with them can make even regular days better, so when a person has truly found their significant other, it can enhance their daily experience, not just their holiday experience. One can have a close relationship with their family, but it usually can be more intimate with a spouse, so the impact, even more so.
The latter is nice enough, but I prefer how the eighth song manages to resemble falling "Snow."
"Don't Fight It's Christmas" is obviously addressing what can be good about this time of year, even if it encourages utilization of patience and seeking peace on a terse time line. The last quarter of the year always brings that battle between the bitter and the better angels to the forefront of an invisible field.
There is a reason to seek peace and patience over war and instant gratification all year round, it's just that the real reason for the season has been buried by commercialism.
Then, it also gives "For Christmas Sake" a different meaning; the title appearing as an alteration of what sounds like saying the Lord's name in vain, and a subtle replacement for the reason to be your best you can be.
It did mention a parents' love, sacrifice, and hard work for the sake of their children, but it was to give them what society equates with love around the holidays, a lot of presents. Not there is anything wrong with giving of gifts, but it is to the point of excess where it creates an issue. Expressing love for a family member by giving into the greed and self-indulgence that oft plagues society, especially this time of year can be two sides of the same coin.
I realize that the more Christmas records I listen to, the shorter my list of enduring favorites becomes. Even with new records appearing every year, only one or two make the list, if that, whilst the rest barely pass the taste test (because they are a mere cookie cutter compilation of sorts).
What about "It Never Snows in Florida (Holiday Version)," you have something to say about that?
Yes, Fake News.
I know it's merely a song title, but it had on Jan 19th in the same year as the Blizzard of '77.
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